LocalSportsJournal.com
CUSTER — Home court advantage didn’t work out the way it was supposed for the Mason County Eastern boys basketball team Friday night.
Tipping off the West Michigan D League season hosting Bear Lake on their home court, the Cardinals struggled to make their shots drop and lost a 55-43 decision.
“We got in a hole, and it’s always tough to play from behind,” said Eastern head coach Mark Forner. “To Bear Lake’s credit, they’re a little bit faster and stronger. They’re much improved from last year.
“They were more physical than we were, and that’s on me. I have to coach better. We’ve got to toughen up a little bit.”
Bear Lake wasn’t much better shooting on the night, and could only manage a 24-22 lead at the half. But the Lakers outscored the Cardinals, 16-10 in the third to maintain that 10-point lead, 42-32.
Clay Shoup led the Cardinals with 15 points while Zach Howe finished with 14 and Aaron Drake eight.
Eastern fell to 0-2 on the season and is 0-1 in the conference, with its next game scheduled for Wednesday at home against Big Rapids Crossroads Academy.
